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Minister Kohout met Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand

 

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, Jan Kohout the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, Surapong Tovichakchaikul on 6 September, 2013 on his official visit of the Czech Republic.

The ministers discussed the overall development and prospective fields of bilateral cooperation. Minister Kohout emphasized the importance of Thailand as the economic hub of the Southeast Asia. He expressed interest in deepening of cooperation in all fields, in particular in strengthening the economic ties.

He proposed that efficient use be made of the regular meetings of the Joint Committee for Economic Cooperation; the first meeting of the Joint Committee was held in Prague with participation of the Thai Minister of Foreign Affairs. Minister Kohout also confirmed that the Czech side is prepared to cooperate not only in the fields of business and economy, but also in power industry, environment protection, healthcare and defence and security. He offered sharing of Czech experience in transport infrastructure, water management projects and flood protection systems. He also provided information on Czech activities in the area of science, research and technological innovations, including nanotechnologies and renewable resources. Minister Kohout expressed his satisfaction at the growing number of Thai tourists coming to the Czech Republic and mentioned that 35,000 Czech tourists visited Thailand last year.

Minister Tovichakchaikul informed about current political and economic development in Thailand and its prospect. He mentioned an ambition of his country to become a medical and healthcare hub for the whole region. He encouraged the Czech Republic and Czech companies to participate in investment projects planned by Thailand to increase connectivity among ASEAN member states. Furthermore, he expressed interest in the Czech expertise in city transport network with emphasis on tram system and described opportunities for Czech companies in projects related to green technologies.

The ministers exchanged opinions on regional and global issues, as well as on opportunities in multilateral cooperation. Both sides agreed that cooperation between the EU and ASEAN countries should continue to deepen. They welcomed the successful conclusion of negotiations on the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the EU and Thailand and the opening of negotiations of the EU-Thailand Free Trade Agreement. Minister Tovichakchaikul answered the questions of his Czech counterpart regarding the integration process within the ASEAN; the group's goal to be achieved before the end of 2015 is the establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community.

The Thai Minister invited Minister Kohout to visit Thailand.

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